When does driving MT get "fun"

[Heero]

Just drive through stop & go traffic, 401, coming back from Waterloo... Uphill, constant stopping... ugh.

I've been driving MT for just under a week now & it's already bugging me. Is it just because I'm new or what? I hate having the constant fear of roll back, the fear of stalling and the repetition of shifting from N to 1 to 2...

So... what exactly does MT offer over Auto? I am about 90% certain I will ask to switch transmission on my FRS at this point.

[Jeff Lange]

Once you are good at it, it will be fun almost all the time. At first, like now, it will only be fun on nice open roads. I'd say give it at least 2 months, and if you still don't like it after that, maybe it's not for you.

I think it's because you are new. I never think about rollback or stalling or repetition, I just do it.

If you don't like it, there aren't many advantages. Liking it is probably one of the biggest advantages, though on the FR-S the superior gearing is also something to enjoy as well, though it may cost you in fuel mileage.

Jeff

[Kimsey47]

Like Jeff mentioned you'll be a bit fearful for a bit (practice makes perfect); however, once you've got the hang of it and downshifting you'll probably wonder why you never had one! Stop and go/daily can get a bit boring; however, once you're good with the changes go find you a nice road to play on and it's GREAT fun!

[RYU]

I drove a MT in traffic from Pasadena to Santa Monica for 4 yrs. That's 20+ miles each way averaging 15-25mph with frequent stops. If that doesn't drive you crazy.. I don't know what will. This was in an S2000.

Any other time, even long distance hwy driving, I prefer a MT. However, in stop and go LA traffic.. i'd rather shoot myself.

btw.. if you're having trouble on a hill or a steep incline the e-brake is a great tool here. learn how to modulate that. It's not only for drifting!

[zoomzoomers]

Originally Posted by RYU

I drove a MT in traffic from Pasadena to Santa Monica for 4 yrs. That's 20+ miles each way averaging 15-25mph with frequent stops. If that doesn't drive you crazy.. I don't know what will. This was in an S2000.

Any other time, even long distance hwy driving, I prefer a MT. However, in stop and go LA traffic.. i'd rather shoot myself.

[Mr.Jay]

Wait till you get good driving will be more fun and engaging. When you are new you are thinking about it all the time and worried you will mess up that its not fun.

One it becomes 2nd nature its a blast or at least that's how it was with me

[bneale]

Jeff is on the right track for sure.

I'm guessing you simply choose the MT because it was cheaper. Not because you actually wanted to drive stick. Which is all fine and good if thats the reason why (not trying to call you cheap or anything), but you should have probably thought about that a little more.

Put it this way, almost all of the best driving cars in the world are manual only. The new BMW 1 M comes leaping to mind right now. Manual only.

I'm pretty sure the F430 ferrari was also Manual only until Mr.Longoria bought one for his wife Eva and had ferrari custom build an auto for her.

Ben

[Ikaros]

Lol it's gonna be so interesting for me, I haven't driven at all after I got my M like 3 or 4 years ago. So I'm gonna have to be getting used timing a pass and left turns along with relearning how to park a car on top of learning how to drive a manual. I like challenges though so it's gonna be fun.

[veewonwon]

Hey, look at all the supporters you've got, all gave you good pointers.

Mentally, you know the hurtle will be over soon, so is the frustration. So stay cool behind the wheel, don't rush yourself, feel the car, and be precise about your motions. Besides, don't think the 6AT option is available to you, so the only way out is to learn it well, the very best that you can do.

Why so many enthusiasts prefer MT? Because we're require to engage with our cars and anticipate road/traffic condition at all times, the car is a out there to execute your instructions precisely in real time, that's fun.

[taosracer]

To answer the OP question...I think you need to embrace the fact that you are actually driving a car, and you are an integral part of how it is functioning. A manual transmission makes you part of the machine, and gives you a connection to the vehicle that a slush-box will never provide.

Enjoy the driving experience. That should be the primary reason to own a car like this. If it is merely a means to get from point A to point B, any appliance can accomplish the task. You could be pushing the pedals and turning the wheel of the same boring four wheeled toaster that "Joe Normal" next to you at the traffic light uses to carry on with his dreary little life.

You are driving a sports car. Get with the program

[YinYang1980]

mt is REALLY fun, for those that know how to drive and have the full control of the car.

if FUN for you is just put the stick to D and press on the gaz pedal, the you should take de automatic transmission.

i LOVE to drive manual in any condition, its just a game for me that a like to perform and get better. its a challenge for me to not staling and get a perfect start.

where is the challenge to just press the gaz pedale and let the auto transmission to do all the rest of the work?

i suspect you dont really like to drive the car, but you just like to take a ride with your car.

its all about precision and perfection

[Jay Grey]

I taught myself to drive Manual when I was 18 & working at a Mazda dealership on Mazdaspeeds/RX8. The I would nerve buy an auto ever unless the vehicle I really want doesn't have that option. Till this day I drive manual everyday in traffic & etc.

[YinYang1980]

Originally Posted by Heero

Just drive through stop & go traffic, 401, coming back from Waterloo... Uphill, constant stopping... ugh.

I've been driving MT for just under a week now & it's already bugging me. Is it just because I'm new or what? I hate having the constant fear of roll back, the fear of stalling and the repetition of shifting from N to 1 to 2...

So... what exactly does MT offer over Auto? I am about 90% certain I will ask to switch transmission on my FRS at this point.

its start to being fun when you mastered the technic of it. when it become natural, not a stressing moment, i have tried to make my little brother to learn driving manual and he was not able. too much stress and pressure, because its not natural for him. for some poeple its just not possible.

[Dark_Angle]

I only drive mt. Off road is better with mt even though that wont be the case with the FR-S.

[Heero]

Wow looks like there's alot of love for the MT out there! Thanks for the support everyone.

I'll admit I enjoy driving on open roads, but rush hour traffic really irks me. & Yes, I choose MT because it was cheaper, but also because of all the hype around driving a manual car lol

I still have another Couple weeks before the FRS rolls in to decide...

Quick questions for those who drive MT:

1. Whenever I shift gears (especially downshifting) my car jerks like the gears going in really rough. Do I just need to shift quicker? or more gas?

2. How do I control reverse gear? My reverse is pretty darn fast as soon as I release the clutch. ATM I'm just riding the clutch - but I'm guessing that's bad?

Thanks

[Khyron686]

Manual is fun for some people, a chore for others. Decide who you are. My wife CAN drive manual (because that's what I buy) but she prefers not to bother. Our big SUV is auto, and zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. But no hate on the auto - my buddy is a huge manual fan but his next car will be auto because his work has him driving in the city all day. Can always get a toy weekend car later...

You match the rpms to where they should be if you were in the gear you're going into. So if you're at 3K in 5th and downshifting to 4th you would rev the gas quickly to get the revs up to 5K or so as you let out the clutch. Do it right and it's as smooth as an auto, with NO jerk. In my old Jetta I can go 5-4-3-4-5 at 90km/hr and it's usually pretty bang on.

Reverse or crawling, I tend to let it out to get motion then put it back to the floor and coast rather than just sit half-way on the clutch.

[Want.FR-S]

Originally Posted by Heero

2. How do I control reverse gear? My reverse is pretty darn fast as soon as I release the clutch. ATM I'm just riding the clutch - but I'm guessing that's bad?

Hope this helps: as mentioned, when you do reverse gear, release the clutch carefully *without* pressing gas (accelerator). When the clutch bites in gear, release it and let the idling engine speed to gently load and move the car in reverse. If your speed is too fast, press the clutch and brake gently to stop. If the engine bogs down, press a little bit of gas. Otherwise, just gently release the clutch and the car will move slowly, just like that using an automatic transmission. This is especially helpful when the engine is cold with higher idling speed.

Typically, I do not press gas when using reverse gear because I have no need to go fast in reverse. Only press gas in reverse when you absolutely need it.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Want.FR-S

Typically, I do not press gas when using reverse gear because I have no need to go fast in reverse. Only press gas in reverse when you absolutely need it.

Very good advice.

For the OP, you will get used to it, and it will become second nature. Also, it's like riding a bike, once you get it, you've got it for life. At least that's been my experience.

OK, off topic but I have to share. I had a Polaris Scrambler 500 with a CVT transmission. It had a top speed of around 65MPH (fast for an ATV). The transmission had an 'override' button on it. Push that button and it would go full speed in reverse! It made for great reverse donuts, and scaring the crap out of your friends.

[Mr.Jay]

Personally I find this part of driving stick fun already. you are winning the car over as your driving techniques get better and when the day comes when you are driving smoothly it feels rewarding

Every car is different too so kind of gives them more character in my books

No auto hate tho convenience is understanding but you should deff give the 6MT a shot its good haven't driven the auto yet soon tho

[Saibot]

uhh what car are you driving? SHARE

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lange

Once you are good at it, it will be fun almost all the time. At first, like now, it will only be fun on nice open roads. I'd say give it at least 2 months, and if you still don't like it after that, maybe it's not for you.

I think it's because you are new. I never think about rollback or stalling or repetition, I just do it.

If you don't like it, there aren't many advantages. Liking it is probably one of the biggest advantages, though on the FR-S the superior gearing is also something to enjoy as well, though it may cost you in fuel mileage.

Jeff

^^ What he said.

[LivingLegend]

I currently drive a 94 tercel 4 speed manual and I find it more fun then when i had a auto tC